The concept of deja vu is a fascinating one, and most of us will have experienced at one time or other the disconcerting sensation that what is happening right now has already happened before.

For the tenants of Fairfax Flats in Otley, however, that experience – demonstrated by them losing their night-time lighting for a week at the darkest time of year again, for the second time in three years – has been a far from welcome one.

Resident Patricia Jacques, who raised the issue when it first surfaced in December 2011 and also took a week to fix, was understandably dismayed to have to go through the exact same thing in December, 2013.

Mrs Jacques, 78, rightly pointed out to this newspaper on both occasions that leaving council-run (in 2011 the properties were managed by West North West Homes for Leeds, and are now directly run by the city council) flats without lights posed serious health and safety and security risks, especially for more vulnerable tenants.

That is why she flagged it up as a matter requiring urgent attention. Yet both times it still took a week to sort out.

We find it hard to disagree with her conclusion that such a response “beggars belief” – and sincerely hope that 2014 and beyond brings a more acceptable level of service to all those at Fairfax Flats.

Those unloved presents could help children

Now that the festivities are coming to an end, thoughts turn to packing away the Christmas decorations – but we don’t have to pack away the season of goodwill.

Despite the fact that many of us will have overspent, there is still one easy act of giving which will cost us nothing.

Unwanted gifts are as much a part of Christmas as leftover turkey – but they can be put to good use to raise money for vulnerable children.

Children’s charity Barnardo’s is appealing for presents which can be handed in at their shops, including Guiseley, to be re-sold to raise vital funds.

The money will be used to help disadvantaged children and young people, including those who are living in poverty, who are disabled or who have been sexually exploited.

The charity estimates that 30 per cent of Christmas gifts are unwanted – but they guarantee they can sell them.

So pack away the decorations by all means – but donate those unloved presents to help children.